Troy brewery on governor’s panel to promote craft beers

Gregg Stacy, vice president and director of marketing and sales at Brown’s Brewing Company in Troy, was among those named by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to a statewide panel that will come up with ideas to help the craft brewing industry.

The NY Craft Brewer Workgroup will be “bringing together leaders from industry, academia and the public sector, we can make sure that the Empire State becomes an even better place to brew and promote world-class beverages. That’s what I’ve charged this Workgroup with doing, and I am confident that they will play a large role in continuing to cultivate a vibrant environment for the craft beer industry,” said Cuomo in a press release.

It continued, “The workgroup will also continue where the summit left off by reviewing areas of potential regulatory reform and guiding the continued development of Empire State Development’s One Stop Shop, which is designed to provide New York’s beverage producers with a single point of government contact for assistance regarding regulations, licensing, state incentives, and any other questions or issues facing the industry. Members will assist in the development and/or direction of promotional and marketing programs such as Taste NY, Pride of New York and Trails to promote New York agriculture, while exploring grant opportunities potentially beneficial to the industry.”

Other members of the group, which will be led by the Commissioner of the State Department of Agriculture and Markets, include:

More from the press release: “State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Governor’s farm-based beverage summits laid the groundwork for unprecedented growth within the industry, and this workgroup will take this one step further. Governor Cuomo has brought together some of the best and brightest minds within the industry to examine challenges and develop working solutions. It’s an exciting time to be part of New York agriculture and the boom in the craft brewing industry is a major reason why.”

State Liquor Authority Chairman Dennis Rosen said, “Under the Governor’s leadership, New York craft producers have experienced an explosion of growth as the state has partnered with industry to create new craft manufacturing licenses, overhaul antiquated laws, and modernize regulations. This workgroup will enhance this partnership, as we work together to further expand opportunities for our farm-based entrepreneurs to continue generating jobs and environmentally friendly economic development in communities across the state.”

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, “The tremendous growth in the beverage industry is a direct result of the sector’s key players working together with the State to address potential obstacles. The NY Craft Brewer Workgroup will further this collaboration by enhancing our communication and responsiveness to the needs of the craft beverage industry, while helping to create jobs and better promote our locally made products.”

In July 2012, Governor Cuomo signed legislation creating a farm brewery license to promote the use of local ingredients in craft beers. Since that law took effect in January 2013, 48 new Farm Breweries have opened up across the state. Like Farm Wineries, Farm Breweries craft “New York” beer with specific levels of locally grown ingredients, gradually increasing from 20 percent to 90 percent by 2024. Farm Breweries enjoy similar privileges to Farm Wineries, including the ability to operate up to five offsite retail outlets, open restaurants, conduct tastings and sell related products that may include souvenirs, food to complement beer tastings and equipment and supplies.

New York microbreweries continue to experience unprecedented growth. The Empire State is now home to 100 microbreweries, a 150 percent increase from 2011. Additionally, the number of restaurant brewers has increased from 10 in 2011 to 26 today, which amounts to a 160 percent increase.

Currently there are approximately 225 acres of hops planted in New York State, of which 150 acres will be harvested this year—amounting to over 100,000 pounds of hops.